Dispelling Muslims' Misgivings on Polio Immunization Programme

This article describes trends in polio immunisation in India and the measures taken to address resistance to vaccination that has been seen within Indian Muslim communities. Rumours that the vaccine could render children impotent, physically weak, and sick have circulated widely throughout these communities. In particular, the state of Uttar Pradesh witnessed banners and posters stating that health workers should not be welcomed as they were "carrying a potion the West had invented to limit their population." Others believe the vaccination campaigns to be part of a conspiracy led by the Hindu-dominated government.

Officials working for the national polio immunisation campaign, along with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), have tried to bring about a change in perceptions regarding the vaccine. Through engaging with Muslim clerics, as well as organisations active in social work, advocates have issued appeals and sent volunteers into Muslim communities to create awareness against the rumours.

A recent UNICEF report enumerated the following strategies that were initiated, in the hopes of creating a culturally acceptable delivery system for polio vaccine:

• Imams (religious leaders) were invited to take part in public rallies.
• Handouts containing images/references to support from religious leaders were printed in Urdu and distributed.
• Polio vaccination booths were set up beside or in Madarasas.
• Female health workers and school teachers were included in house-to-house vaccination teams.

According to the report, "the program managers succeeded to a significant degree in overcoming the socio-cultural barriers."